Doors to the Wild Self: Monteverde, Costa Rica Yoga Retreat
Join us in the magical cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica for a week of yoga, tree climbing, adventure, and alcohol-free self-care.
Join us in the magical cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica for a week of yoga, tree climbing, adventure, and alcohol-free self-care.
Wake up to monkeys calling and tropical birdsong in the lush cloud forest of Monteverde. This Costa Rica yoga retreat is designed not only as an adventure but as a cleansing yoga retreat that supports body, mind, and spirit. Together we’ll explore biodiverse forests, spot wildlife, and climb into the canopy.
Your retreat includes accommodation, daily yoga and meditation, nourishing plant-based meals, guided nature tours, and a guided tree-climbing adventure. Our home base, Finca Camino Nuevo offers comfy rooms, a hot tub and pool, a ceremonial sweat lodge, art-filled yoga shala, and an alcohol-free environment.
Scroll down for what’s included, daily schedule, lodging options, and pricing.
At Finca Camino Nuevo, you’ll enjoy modern comfort within wild beauty: forest trails, hammocks, patios with sweeping views, and space designed just for yoga retreats and ceremonies. Spot monkeys, tropical birds, and even rainbows from your balcony.
We’ll gather twice daily for trauma-informed yoga and meditation: energizing mornings, restorative evenings. All classes are beginner-friendly, themed on the chakra system and “re-wilding,” and focused on taking yoga beyond the mat. Just like the biodiverse forest around us, each guest can share their experiences and contribute to a beautiful, interconnected whole.

Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth: home to 6% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Six ecological zones, more than 90% virgin forest, 2,500 plants, 400 bird species, and over 500 orchids (the most in the world) make it a nature-lover’s dream.
From our retreat center, a trail leads into the jungle and up to a sturdy tree net, perfect for cloud-forest views, wildlife spotting, and hammock-style relaxation.
Chef Zach and Sous Chef Selena prepare delicious vegan meals with local produce, Costa Rican flavors, and global inspiration. Expect fresh tropical fruits, colorful vegetables, local coffee and teas, and creative international fusion. Gluten-free? No problem, just let us know.
New for 2026: optional plant-based cooking class with Zach & Selena will be included!

Hand-built with sacred geometry and natural materials, the retreat center is both artistic and eco-conscious.
Guests often wake to monkeys right outside their balcony, a true Monteverde experience.
Explore more about our retreat lodging on their website here.

Past yoga retreat guests have experienced deep healing on this retreat thanks to Costa Rica’s magical natural vibes, our deep dive into learning about the chakras and yoga philosophy, plus the communal group energy and support. Come ready to be open, let go of what’s no longer serving you, and fill yourself up with rich prana (energy) of the jungle!

The retreat includes a traditional temescal sweat lodge ceremony, an Ayurvedic wellness workshop to help you discover your personal Ayurvedic “type”, and use of the giant hot tub and swimming pool. Read on for more information about extra treatments and tours you can add on!
For a past guest’s eloquent perspective on this retreat you can read Rhonda’s blog post about her experience last year.
Just like all of our yoga retreats, this is a substance-free, recovery-supportive environment! Although you don’t have to be sober in real life to come on our retreat, you do need to be willing to take a break from any recreational substances throughout the entire retreat experience. We believe everyone is recovering from something, whether it’s addiction, stress, trauma, eating disorders, or just the disconnection of life in our busy, high-tech world. Bigger Life Adventures strives to create a safe and open space for vulnerability and openness about each and every healing journey. Our retreats don’t include formal recovery meetings, but our guests are always sharing and learning from each other as we all work to use the tools of yoga and community to become better and live bigger lives.
Join us March 30-April 5, 2026 for this yoga retreat in the magical cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica!
Daily sunrise meditations – all yoga & meditation practices are optional but encouraged. You are welcome to take care of yourself by sleeping in when you need to!
Daily or twice daily yoga and meditation of various styles (Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Restorative) guided by Carrie and Zach. A chance to deepen your practice and grow! Classes will be themed around philosophical concepts in yoga and catered to the group’s needs and interests. All levels are welcome and classes are trauma-informed with lots of options to suit your unique body and needs.
Yoga philosophy, Wim Hof breathwork, Ayurveda, and meditation workshops
Tree climbing adventures and eco-tour with expert guides from Palo Vivo
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve private walking tour with a knowledgeable nature guide
Single or shared accommodation in one of Finca Camino Nuevo’s guest rooms. All rooms have one double bed and one single bed, private bathrooms with solar hot water showers, locally made biodegradable soap, and an amazing view down through the valley of San Luis and out to the Gulf of Nicoya
All delicious, locally-sourced, plant-based meals and desserts catered by Chefs Zach & Selena! Coffee and tea each morning.
Plant-based cooking class option
Use of heated pool, jacuzzi, tree net, ceremony space, and trails at Finca Camino Nuevo.
Temescal traditional sweat lodge with an expert facilitator
Cacao ceremony and ecstatic dance
Transportation to/from all activities
A chance to be disconnected from technology and your day-to-day tasks. Although Wifi is available, we encourage you to be immersed in the moment!
Not included:
Transportation to and from Costa Rica and Finca Camino Nuevo. We are happy to help you plan and arrange your travel and coordinate shuttles for groups arriving together.
Optional additional activities below
Travel insurance which is recommended to protect your investment
Gratuities for Finca Camino Nuevo staff (suggested $30 per person)
Ziplining adventure course or hanging bridges hike in the cloud forest canopy
Sloth and butterfly sanctuary
Monteverde Forest Preserve night tour
Yogic Photographic Session with Mason Neufeld – all proceeds are donated to local reforestation projects!
Massage or craniosacral therapy session
Watsu water therapy
Personal Ayurvedic health counseling session
Reiki energy healing
Afternoon arrivals and settling in
Welcome circle, yoga and meditation
Plant-based dinner
Welcome campfire with music
Silent morning & optional meditation
Energizing yoga & Meditation
Plant-based breakfast
Tree climbing and river dip
Lunch
Free time to relax or explore
Evening yin yoga and meditation
Plant-based dinner
Jacuzzi & chill time
Silent morning & optional meditation
Plant-based, light breakfast
Monteverde Cloud Forest wildlife walking tour
Local lunch out and optional coffee tasting
Yoga philosophy discussion
Evening yoga slow flow & meditation
Plant-based dinner & jacuzzi/chill time
Silent morning & optional meditation
Energizing yoga & meditation
Plant-based big brunch
Optional excursions - ziplines, hanging bridges, sloth sanctuary, etc
Lunch out during excursions or at retreat center
Evening yin yoga & meditation
Temescal sweat lodge ceremony
Plant-based soup and salad dinner
Silent morning & optional meditation
Energizing yoga & meditation
Plant-based breakfast
Free day to relax at the pool, get massages, etc.
Plant-based lunch
"Discover your dosha" Ayurveda workshop
Optional night wildlife tour
Plant-based dinner & jacuzzi/chill time
Silent morning & optional meditation
Energizing yoga & meditation
Plant-based breakfast
Free time or second tree climbing opportunity
Plant-based lunch
Optional inversions and arm balancse workshop
Plant-based dinner
Closing circle, cacao ceremony & ecstatic dance
Jacuzzi/chill time
Silent morning & optional meditation
Final yoga practice and meditation
Plant-based breakfast
Departures to next destinations
These are the early-bird prices, which will go up by $100 per person on January 1, 2026.
Single, private room for 1: $2550
Double room for 2 guests attending together. (1 double bed, 1 single bed): $4150
Double Bed with 1 same-gender roommate: $2150
Single Bed with 1 same-gender roommate: $2050
Payment Plan
A $400 deposit secures your spot. Your remaining balance will be due in equal monthly payments between your booking date and February 2026.
Your attendance helps subsidize our reduced-price recovery scholarships! At least one nearly half-price scholarship for a shared room spot will be awarded for each Costa Rica retreat week.
This morning I started my yoga practice before the sun has risen. Moving from dark to light. This reminded me of the photoshoot that I did with @masonneufeldphotography during the @biggerlifeadventures retreat in Costa Rica at March. The site was a half a mile walk to the Ocean.
It was a lot of firsts for me….first time out of the country using a passport…but I knew that I would be held safely in the care of Zach and Carrie. It was some of my first connection to a lot of other people from around the world during the pandemic. Some of the friendships that I made there, I am proud to say are still continuing. It is amazing the magical bond that took place on that retreat, because the friendships I made there are the people I go to when I am having a difficult time. From the darkness of the unknown….to love and light….
-Teri, 2022
The retreat in Costa Rica has the highest of recommendations I could ever give!!
The entire week offered so much challenge, connection, adventure, restoration, rejuvenation, joy, laughs, insight, knowledge, awareness, jungle sounds, delicious meals, consistent practice, relaxation, and (insert at least 101 more wonderful adjectives here)!
On every level, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, I grew and became a better version of myself! A group that started as friendly strangers completely transformed into an intimate and comfortable family by the end of the week! There was true magic, power and energy flow like I’ve never been apart of, and, if I may be so bold to say, EVERYONE was completely filled and changed in their own beautiful way! No one was even close to being ready to leave and didn’t want the jungle retreat to end!
Of course, for anyone who knows Mr Zach (the baddest chef east of the Mississippi) and Sensei Carrie (the baddest yoga instructor I’ve ever known), they are such a beautiful and inspiring duo who offer their whole selves to the retreat and to everyone’s experience! They truly care about everyone and it shows in their personalized approach in how they communicate, educate, serve and enlighten their audience! They make the yoga practice (beyond just the physical movements) a beautiful journey that is so worth becoming intimate with! In a non-pressure, come-as-you-are way, you are treated with all the love and respect!
I continue to reflect back on that week and know it will be one of my life’s highlights! Lifelong connection to the Sanctuary and to the people who I met, made a super great experience into a mesmerizing and awestruck one!
Why you haven’t booked this retreat is beyond me! Do your heart, mind, body and spirit a solid by signing up for this impossible-to-regret experience!
– Jamo, 2022
What Carrie and Zach have created is amazing. I would recommend these retreats to anyone, everyone is healing from something. Carrie and Zach have such a gift and it has been a pleasure to go on two of their retreats and experience moving my body in the different shapes of yoga, learning about yoga, ayerveda, cooking, reiki, and so much more adventures. If you are on the fence, this is your sign to book the retreat
-Kiersten, 2022
My experience at The Sanctuary at Two Rivers in Costa Rica last month was life changing. Immersed in this jungle experience the time felt magical. Accommodations were perfect. The meditation & yoga sessions run by Carrie & Zach were innovative, professional & fun. Carrie has a beautiful soul of energy & kindness. She is a dedicated and learned instructor. Zach was equally reverent & thoughtful with the meditations he inspired.
Thanks for sharing this experience with me!
-Carol, 2022
My experience with Bigger Life Adventures far exceeded my expectations in every way! I knew it was a recovery/sober retreat and as it has been said, we are all recovering from something. For me it was the stress and isolation of the pandemic plus I wanted to do something special to celebrate my 70th year. Carrie and Zach’s retreat in Costa Rica delivered a week of magical adventure every day. The yoga and meditation, the fantastic food, the healing rituals, the community, the physically challenging adventures and fabulously relaxing down time all submerged in the beautiful Costa Rican jungle. Perfect! Carrie’s depth as a yogi and Zach’s passion for an adventurous life combine to make a wonderful safe place of self discovery for everyone. I absolutely recommend Bigger Life Adventures.
-Betty, 2022
I have gone on two retreats with Carrie and Zach: one in May 2023 to Costa Rica and the other in October 2023 to Silverton, Colorado. I can’t say enough AMAZING and PHENOMENAL things about both of my experiences! Costa Rica was full of yoga, meditation, quiet time, introspection and reflection in our lush environment surrounded by nature. Colorado brought out the adventurer in me that I didn’t know existed! Challenging hikes and a truly special rock climbing adventure in a canyon. Top it off with yoga, a trip to the hot springs, and organic and plant-based food (in Costa Rica too). I’m now booked for my THIRD retreat with them to Catalina Island! That should speak louder than any of my other words that I’m looking forward to being a participant yet again! Thank you, Carrie and Zach! This life is for living!
-Latesha, 2023
If only words could capture the magical experience of this retreat with Carrie and Zach, then I could write a novel. It’s an intangible feeling that can only be experienced, and one that I will remember always. Right from the beginning, even prior to the retreat, Carrie impressed me with her organization and planning skills, and attention to detail which made me feel prepared as a newbie to Bigger Life Adventures. The itinerary prepared for this retreat was well balanced with activities and down time, and of course time for self-reflection and learning. This was a true yoga retreat by name because it really was yoga-focused with daily morning meditation practice followed by an energizing yoga flow, and in the evening, a slow gentle/yin yoga. The food truly blew me away. Zach, you are an amazing creator of plant-based meals, I miss it already. Carrie, you are an inspiration and teacher. Thank you for sharing your love of yoga and sharing your heart. The location, Costa Rica Monteverde was a dream come true. To the group of amazing fellow retreat friends I’ve met, I am so blessed to share my heart and adventures with you. This is why so many of you come back to join Carrie and Zach. I, too, will return to experience the many unforgettable retreats Bigger Life Adventures offers. With Love and Gratitude,
Keria, 2024
I just returned from this Costa Rica retreat hosted by Bigger Life Adventures! Carrie and Zach are the kindest. The venue felt like heaven; I did not want to leave. I feel so so blessed that I connected with this group! The entire experience was AMAZING. I can’t say enough about the stellar organization and program detail! Very professional. I HIGHLY recommend! 1 scholarship is offered per retreat. Oh and the FOOD….you’ll be dreaming about it long after you’re home!!
-Sue, 2024
Carrie holds one of the most authentic & safest spaces that I’ve come across in my journey with yoga.
Every speech, action & interaction with Carrie is considerate in such a way that you can see she was born to lead others in this position as teacher.
She is honest & open in sharing her own journey & personal challenges, there is no “me” or “you” in Carries teaching, it’s always “us”. It’s admirable to see that she learns just as much from her students & takes a genuine interest in them. Aways adapting & fine tuning her role, inspiring others along the way.
I’m grateful to have been inspired by Carrie too.
-Nick, 2024
For travel, you’ll fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose (SJO). From here we will coordinate shared shuttles to take you up to Monteverde (3 hour trip, approximately $60 per person). We recommend giving yourself extra days in Costa Rica if you are able, as arriving a few days early will make your journey more incredible and less stressful. Please check in with me before booking plane or shuttle tickets to confirm your plan will successfully get you there in the right timing! You will want to land in San Jose by 10am on February 18 at the latest!
I’m also happy to recommend destinations and give transport advice based on my Costa Rica experience so feel free to reach out for that!
Travel booking option:
Since I get a lot of requests for assistance anyway, I decided to offer a new flight booking service for all my retreat guests and friends!
You provide me with your desired travel dates and airports and I will find you the cheapest, best flights possible and book them for you for a $50 add-on fee.
I’m a pretty good “travel hacker” thanks to years of experience. We can do this together via Zoom to confirm everything or I’ll make sure to triple check everything with you before booking!
This benefits YOU if online flight searching stresses you out or you just don’t find it fun. Full disclosure, it benefits Zach and I because I book most of our travel using our credit card points. We have a lot of travel planned this year so we need as many points as possible. You’ll reimburse me and I’ll get the frequent flyer miles to fund my own travel habit, haha.
Could be a win win for all of us?
Let me know if you would like my help with this. I know booking a long journey with multiple connections can be a little bit annoying. But there are also ways to make it more enjoyable, I promise. For the best prices, you’ll want to book these flights at least 4-6 months before we leave. Reach out when you’re ready if you want my help.
-Carrie
Since all retreat deposits and payments are used to secure venues, activities, and supplies, and since canceled spots require extra time and energy to re-fill, all deposits and payments are non refundable. In emergency situations, you may or may not be offered a credit for a future retreat or event, based on the decision of our team. Cancellations due to fear of travel are not transferable or refundable. Cancellations less than 1 month before your retreat are not refundable or transferable. We recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in the event you must cancel.